Archive for the ‘home renovations’ Category

“Green” home staging can mean a variety of things, but one emphasis is on creating a “green story” for prospective buyers.

With green home staging, companies usually try to reuse or integrate as much of the seller’s original furniture as possible. In instances where new pieces are needed, green stagers will often reuse furniture from their own collection, or select pieces which are on consignment from local shops.

This can actually save a seller a fair amount of money in the staging process. A green staging company will also be sure to recycle all packaging associated with new furnishings used to stage the home.

In terms of paint and carpeting, green stagers will recommend eco-friendly replacements. One of the advantages of making green replacements is a home is the added selling point an agent can use with prospective buyers. Consider, for example, a couple looking to raise their first child in a new home. It’s not hard to imagine how fresh, non-toxic, environmentally friendly paints and flooring might favorably improve their view of the listing.

In addition to cosmetic recommendations, green stagers are specialists in pointing out improvements a seller might consider to both improve the energy efficiency of the home as well as further the green story for potential buyers. Air filters, weather stripping, and programmable thermostats are just a few details green home stagers often recommend.

What do you think? Can green staging matter? Do you think green staging ever presents an edge over traditional staging approaches?

(By the way… If you’re interested in green staging, I’d be happy to help you research the option for selling your home. Contact me today for more information: Linda Hutchinson, REALTOR @ lindahutchinson@msn.com or407-925-7721 Cell or Text.

This may be a wild and wooly post but I’m just going to share whatever is on my mind today:

What in the world is going on in real estate in Orlando? I’m glad you asked. It’s a rather unique market right now with super low inventory of homes for sale and still lots and lots of distressed properties on the market. Not as many foreclosures but a lot more short sales.

I am seeing multiple bids on homes that are in move-in condition. I listed and sold a home in ONE day recently that was located in Winter Park and was completely remodeled. We had a bidding war and over 20 showings in two days. Absolute madness. What this tells me is that there are so few homes available that are in pristine condition that people will swarm over the good homes for sale. Note to Sellers: FIX YOUR HOUSE UP and make it shine. It paid off for my Sellers in a BIG way.

I recently had a chance to speak with an appraiser (yes…he actually spoke to me) and he told me that 8 out of 10 homes he appraises are fixed up and renovated. He hasn’t appraised a dumpy house in a long time. It is interesting to note that most people are looking for that type of home. After buying a home with 20% down, there isn’t a whole lot of extra cash leftover to fix up the home. So have your home in beautiful condition and watch the offers come in.

There are still distressed homes for sale and while lenders are putting lipstick on these pigs (i.e. paint and carpet)…they are still often showing signs of neglect. The interesting thing is that people are still bidding high on foreclosed homes. I am not sure what is going on here because who wants to OVERPAY for a home anymore? Have buyers lost their minds? Foreclosures are NOT a “deal” at the moment.

Finally, investors are still out there trying to work creative financing and get all sorts of hinky transactions closed. Flippers are back. I won’t deal with anything that may appear unethical and some of these deals just don’t seem “right” to me. Best to move forward with buyers who are working the deal with integrity. That is not to say that investors are not ethical…I just have not felt comfortable with the ones that have approached me lately.

Finally, CASH is KING. If you want to guarantee your offer will be accepted, I hope you are lucky to have cash. People know that the mortgage process is still dicey with resulting delays as things move through underwriting. If you have CASH…you have a guaranteed deal once you pass the inspection phases.

That’s real estate in a nutshell for Orlando…things are moving and selling but we have precious little homes available for sale. If you want TOP DOLLAR for your house – now is the time. I have not seen prices this good in a long time. Let’s get selling…

Lately I have been seeing a lot of homes that have been “renovated”. Unfortunately, they have been renovated to the taste of the current owner and not with an “eye” for future sale. It’s a rare breed of homeowner who understands the specifics of home renovation. Think EXIT STRATEGY. That is what most REALTORS understand…they hear what the buyers are saying behind your back when you are not home. That really cute, small colored, glass tile looks great now but no one wants to clean that grout and they aren’t into that cobalt blue color you selected. There are so many trends that are already tired and dated so you have to think classic style. I saw a kitchen recently and while renovated and pristine…the buyer had a hard time finding the refrigerator. The buyers passed…entirely too trendy.

So what works? I will address this in the coming days. But one thing is certain. Think bland. I know you hate it but white or beige sells. Think upscale and HIGH END, think art gallery chic. Yes, it is your home but you must always remember there will be a time for resale and buyers don’t want to re-do your styles. In the bathroom, marble still rules. In the bathroom, white still reeks of clean and neat. In fact, I have NEVER seen a white bathroom go out of style. Whirlpool tubs are not essential but a TUB and separate shower are a must have! Keep it simple, clean and functional.

There is a basic mating ritual that takes place between buyers and properties and you should not make your home so seller specific that buyers cannot see themselves in your home. As properties take longer to sell, today’s buyer does not want an excuse to walk away from your castle. Don’t make it easy for them. Go neutral and go sold.